Letters to the editor for Tuesday, October 30, 2012

We are eager to point our finger at today's kids for bad behavior of bullying and being a part of a gang. But we fail to notice the three fingers that are pointing back at us.

We seem surprised that there is a problem today with bullying and gangs in our schools. We only need to look at ourselves as the cause of this problem. We acknowledge that bullying and gang mentality — by those who want to be leaders of our cities, counties, state and federal government — is acceptable behavior. We are sending a message to our kids that it is OK to defame, to spread vicious lies about others and to put others down as a way to raise oneself up. We do this all in the name of being a part of a gang. We call adult gangs "parties" — like Democrats and Republicans — but they are equally damaging and dangerous. We are eager to point our finger at today's kids for bad behavior of bullying and being a part of a gang. But we fail to notice the three fingers that are pointing back at us. Civil behavior does not need to be a thing of the past. If we do not accept bullying or the distasteful gang behavior from adults, it will no longer be effective and it will stop. Let us encourage our candidates and their respective parties toward positive, ethical and humble behavior — rewarded and respected with our votes. At the same time, we will be setting an example for our kids that honesty, integrity and dignity win, not those who do otherwise. Civil behavior is obtainable but it takes all of us to select positive behavior and not reward distasteful behavior before it will change. Are you willing to join me in this social change? It starts by not voting in those who exhibit bullying behavior. If it is going to be, it is up to you and me.

MARY SWIDERSKI

DeLand

I'm writing about Flagler County. Shame, shame, shame on them all. It does seem the only thing their work entails is tourism and how many red-light cameras they can install and how fast.

Our library's roof has been leaking for years and nothing was done about it! Young children, senior citizens and hundreds of people come into the library to use the library every day —when I read that our county officials will let this condition "live for another year" (mold notwithstanding) it makes me very angry.

Citizens of Flagler County, call, stomp your feet, and let our officials know they are not doing their job.

MARGRIT OETTINGER

Palm Coast

As a new subscriber and new resident to Florida and Flagler County, I want to give a big "thank you" for your daily series: "Making sense of the amendments." I registered to vote as a Florida resident in time for the election, and want to be informed on all issues. I haven't lived here long enough to familiarize myself with the Florida Constitution amendments, but your newspaper has outlined the arguments for and against and has made me knowledgeable and able to make decisions for voting. I especially like that you simply presented the facts, pro and con, without taking sides, which is precisely what a newspaper publication should do.

ANNE KISSEL

Flagler Beach

Campaign finance reform is crucially needed to reverse the current system in which special interest money by a few controls those elected to represent all the people. The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision opened the door to the overwhelming number of political super-PAC ads we see on TV daily.

Although the electorate likes to believe they are voting for people to represent them, this will not happen under the current system. It would be helpful to impose a "blackout" period from all political ads at least a week prior to an election.

Until effective campaign finance reform is adopted, our country will continue to be controlled by relatively small, well-financed special interests. We need to elect representatives who support measures to overcome the Citizens United decision and provide electoral balance.

JACQUELINE ERSIN

Daytona Beach

I saw The News-Journal's front-page picture on Oct. 20, with the headline "GOP presidential ticket courts voters in Daytona Beach." There was a white shirt and tie on Paul Ryan. Issues aside, I have lived in Daytona Beach since 1952 and have been to the Boardwalk and Bandshell more times than I can remember — night and day. I know I have never worn a white shirt and tie. If the GOP wants to court the voters, they should take the time to learn the culture of the city. Stroll the Boardwalk in your shorts and sandals. Take a walk on the beach and get your feet wet. Talk to the people who are both area residents and visitors from numerous states. Before you say I am getting picky, you have to have lived with the real people before you can govern all of the people. Now all go vote.

BOB AMBROSE

Daytona Beach

With Barack Obama's spending our money down to nothing, what happened to health, wealth, the pursuit of happiness, and prosperity? Also, we're not going to have our borders properly protected against the people who hate us.